Dual-Auger Ice Maker Coupling for Quiet Anti-Clumping Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice makers in refrigerators suffer from inefficient use of storage space, ice cubes sticking together, and noise during ice separation or crushing due to the limitations of current auger mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An ice maker with a coupling mechanism allowing the rear auger to rotate independently in both directions within a specific angle range, enabling ice pieces to be scattered and moved within the receptacle without sticking, and a cam-gear mechanism for controlled dispensing, ensuring efficient use of space and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single auger is used in the storage receptacle, then the structure is simple, but the ice cubes accumulate in certain areas and cannot be effectively distributed throughout the entire storage volume
Solution Approach 1:
The storage receptacle is divided into two zones with two separate augers (front auger and rear auger) instead of using a single auger. The front auger handles ice cubes near the dispensing area while the rear auger manages ice cubes in the storage area, enabling effective distribution throughout the entire storage volume and preventing accumulation in specific areas.
2Productivity
If the auger rotates continuously to move ice cubes, then ice dispensing is efficient, but the ice cubes stick together after accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The rear auger is equipped with a coupling mechanism that enables bidirectional rotation. When ice cubes accumulate, the rear auger rotates in reverse to scatter and redistribute them, preventing sticking. During normal dispensing, both augers rotate forward to move ice cubes efficiently toward the dispensing area, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Productivity
If the ice cubes are crushed to separate stuck cubes, then dispensing can continue, but excessive noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism allows the rear auger to rotate bidirectionally, enabling ice cubes to be scattered and redistributed without crushing. This dynamic adjustment prevents ice cube sticking through gentle redistribution rather than forceful crushing, thereby maintaining dispensing continuity while significantly reducing noise levels.
4Productivity
If the front and rear augers are connected to rotate together, then ice cubes are pushed out efficiently, but the rear auger cannot independently scatter ice cubes to prevent sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism segments the rotation control of the front and rear augers. During normal dispensing, both augers rotate together in the forward direction to push ice cubes out efficiently. When ice cubes stick, the rear auger can independently rotate in reverse to scatter them, providing the adaptability needed to handle different operational conditions while maintaining dispensing efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ice maker comprising a storage receptacle (1) in the form of a drawer wherein the ice pieces are stored; an auger shaft (2) which extends between the front and rear walls of the storage receptacle (1); a front auger (3) and a rear auger (4) which are disposed so as to rotate on the auger shaft (2); a motor which rotates the front and rear augers (3, 4); and a coupling mechanism (5) which provides the connection between the motor shaft and the rear auger (4). A refrigerator comprises such an ice maker.